The reaction of diylids 1 toward carbonates, carbamates, thiocarbamate
s, isocyanates, carbodiimides and sulfinates allow the quantitative pr
eparation of functional Wittig reagents, which can be used in situ in
the E-stereoselective synthesis of the corresponding alpha,beta-unsatu
rated derivatives of carboxylic (or sulfinic) acids. The diylids 2 or
yldiid 3 can be used as synthetic equivalents of RNH2- or NH2-anions a
nd allow normal or functional alkylation of the nitrogen atom.